First, please forgive me as I am new here and to card collecting. I apologize in advance if I have put this in the wrong area of the forums. I also thank you in advance for any advice you can lend, as well as for your knowledge.

I recently picked up a 1968 Topps Pete Rose #230. I obtained it from a gentlemen who says he has owned it for at least 20 years. Upon inspection (before purchasing it) I gave it a cursory look over for the usual stuff (centering, edges, corners etc..). However being an amateur I honestly made a colossal mistake by not noticing a small "4" written on the back of the card in black ink. Had I noticed it, I certainly would have passed on buying it.

I wanted to post the card here for you folks to advise me on whether or not I should sending it out for grading. Its not my desire to spend more money on the card grading it, then the card value itself. I only have a general idea of the value really. So if you could lend your opinion as to whether its worth grading, I certainly appreciate it A LOT! =)

Upon my inspection, I note the following flaws: 2 corners have very minor creases/wear but its not terrible (to my amateur eyes). The centering is a bit off and of course the "4" marked in ink on the rear. Other than that, the card looks pretty nice to me. I do understand that graders are very critical and expect my card to be pinged for more flaws than I actually see.

I would agree with Joshyr. I have a 58 Topps All-Star Ernie Banks that I sent in to be graded. Card is nice except for an ink stamp that is on the back......came back a "2". Any writing, etc on the card is considered a major flaw.

Gotcha! So no truth to some random dialog I've been reading where some folks say that ink marks will only decrease value by 2 points? Crap! I did pay $30 for the card unfortunately. I think I've taken a hit on it. Probably make that first amateur mistake, my last.
Thank btw 7Whodey for the image. Its interesting to see examples!

(11-05-2012 06:22 PM)bfair32 Wrote: [ -> ]Gotcha! So no truth to some random dialog I've been reading where some folks say that ink marks will only decrease value by 2 points? Crap! I did pay $30 for the card unfortunately. I think I've taken a hit on it. Probably make that first amateur mistake, my last.
Thank btw 7Whodey for the image. Its interesting to see examples!

Ÿøû do not want to get a card like this graded. Usually it only makes sense for extremely valuable and/or high-grade cards that will grade a 7 or 8. This card is worth as much or more ungraded.

If this is a PC card that you would like to display and protect, even with the ink stamp, a suggestion could be to use on of the "low end" cheap mass grading companies (ie GMA or the like for $2) just to have it in a slab. Some companies have slab only options also. If you were looking to flip or don't want the display option then I wouldn't.